Osteoporosis and Menopause

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Mickie Griffith-Autry, PhD, NP-C

Mickie Griffith-Autry Article

 

Osteoporosis is a disease of reduced skeletal mass. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) define osteoporosis as “a skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength predisposing to an increase in the risk of fracture” (NIH, 2000). Osteopenia is an important factor that describes bone health, as it increases, so does the risk of Osteoporosis and fracture or break in a bone.

In the United States, an estimated 28 million people have osteoporosis. In fact by the age of 70, 40% of women experience a fracture and the most common site occurs in the hip. This occurrence translates into a health care cost of 18 million dollars.

In women, the primary cause of osteoporosis is a decrease in estrogen. However genetics, nutritional deficiencies specifically inadequate consumption of calcium and vitamin D are also causes.

An accurate assessment is necessary. Typically DEXA testing is used to screen for osteoporosis. This test measures done mineral density through low radiation exposure in the spine and hip. Laboratory testing remains non-sensitive and non-specific for osteoporosis. Many times CBC (complete blood counts), serum calcium, and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels are obtained for clarification of other health care problems that may mimic osteoporosis.

Prevention and treatment strategies for osteoporosis are numerous. Hormone therapy, adequate nutritional intake, exercise, smoking cessation, calcium supplements, bisphosphonates, and selective estrogen receptor modulators are currently the leading treatment modalities that are available to women.

Bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis are major health concerns for women of all ages. This becomes paramount to women undergoing menopause. Adequate attention to bone health leads to quality of life for the menopausal women. 

 

Mickie Griffith-Autry, PhD, NP-C


 

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